China

The crimes include hacking, online fraud, illegal sale of personal information, and pornography. The authorities launched a six-month special operation to "clean the internet" amid a crackdown on activists who "abuse" freedom of expression.

At the general audience Pope Francis speaks about the world of work. "To cause a loss of jobs, means to create serious social damage . “Work is sacred, work gives dignity to a family. We must pray that no family lacks work". The logic of profit only corrupts the environment and affects the poorest families. The "great mission" of families in today's world is like "David versus Goliath ... but we know how that challenge ended". A special greeting to the Taize community for the 75th anniversary of its founding. Greetings for the pilgrims from Japan and the Middle East.

The blasts that devastated the port area could have dispersed various chemicals, including sodium cyanide, into the atmosphere. Water is contaminated and skin touched by rainfall burns. The authorities are failing displaced residents forced into shelters. Yang Dongliang, head of the State Administration of Work Safety, is under investigation.

Shenzhen closes down by 6.58 per cent. Shares drop after China’s central bank offered loans to commercial lenders, a move viewed as desperate by analysts. Meanwhile, the yuan’s devaluation continues to make waves.

An editorial in the People's Daily seeks to reassure the people: "We have jailed many 'tigers' of corruption, we will not make exceptions". But he admits that "it may take considerable time to close the investigation". Fears of cyanide poisoning, local residents are demanding the party to buy their homes.

Hong Kong’s bishop emeritus has come to the conclusion that the campaign to dismantle crosses and religious buildings is part of a broader, nation-wide strategy, and constitutes regression in terms of the mainland's religious policy. Catholics and Protestants in Hong Kong now fear that it might happen to them. In Zhejiang, another 15 religious buildings are slated for destruction by 1 September.

During the Angelus, Pope Francis explained the meaning of the Eucharist, the real and not symbolic presence of Jesus, and the Mass, which is not a "private prayer". For the pontiff, “Feeding on this ‘bread of life’ means becoming attuned to Christ’s heart, and assimilate his choices, thoughts, and behaviour.”

Pope Francis shares the pain for the calamity that struck the Chinese city where two explosions killed more than 50 people and injured an additional 700. The presence of 700 tonnes of sodium cyanide in the warehouse that blew up is cause for great concern. Bullies weigh on history but “God does not abandon his humble and poor children”. Life “is not about aimlessly wandering” but “is a pilgrimage that [. . .] has a safe destination: the house of the Father." The pontiff called on the faithful to visit to the ‘Salus Populi Romani’ at S. Maria Maggiore.

Some 700 tonnes of sodium cyanide used in the mining industry were stored in the warehouse that blew up. Traces of cyanides and other chemicals have been found in two underground drainage systems. A nuclear, biological and chemical rescue team tries to isolate and secure hazardous material. Death toll reaches 50 with 700 wounded, 71 critically. A young firefighter that went missing yesterday is found. The government continues to filter media coverage.

At least 17 dead and 400 wounded. The two explosions the equivalent of 3 and 21 tons of TNT. A dozen firefighters have died, perhaps from fumes from deposits containing hazardous materials. Buildings burned, containers ripped apart, cars destroyed , collapsed ceilings, broken glass.

Asian markets absorb shock. Europe burns 227 billion. China's Central Bank downplays impact: "There is no economic or financial basis for further depreciation ". Vietnam doubles to 2% of the dong's permitted daily fluctuation rate, the currencies of Indonesia and Malaysia at record lows. Delhi fears export war.

The bishop of Hong Kong calls on the central government to open an investigation into the unjust acts that are happening in Zhejiang where many lawfully built crosses and buildings have been dismantled. In order to share the suffering of Zhejiang Christians, he has proposed prayers and fasting. More than a thousand Catholic and Protestant crosses and buildings have been dismantled.